JinXX Magazine I To be or Not to Be : Bitter I Issue 2

Jinxx magazine

Valentines Day 2024

Launching New Series : Fashion Cypher ft FXLSE47 & NEIORI

Issue 2

To Be or Not To Be

BITTER.

Happy Black History Month!

Table of Contents JINXX HAIR BOUTIQUE

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FASHION CYPHER

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A CROWN MADE JUST FOR ME

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Ft. Art by@Kavonr5 & @Trinixglo

Ft. Upcoming artists : FXLSE47 & NEIORI

Ft.@GWAKISA

EMBRACING DIVERSITY

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LIVING PROOF

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Learn about the Crown Act

Ft.@JBRXNCH

TO BE OR NOT TO BE : BITTER Ft.@briokami & @bungeebum with a story by SQ!

PRETTY BOY ROCK

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Ft. @jordanashaun & @Rico.Keaton Art by Lizbeth Romero

AM I TIRED ? OR JUST AN ‘ANGRY BLACK WOMAN Ft. @Ritaaa.ricchh

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J INXX

M AGAZINE

Editor-in-Chief Aisha Micourt (NYC) & Léïsha Durena (DMV) Creative Direction & Styling Aisha Micourt & Léïsha Durena & @St_Kristenn Photographers HEAD (NYC): Kaci Peterson Maya Peroune @Ja.the.visonary @JBRXNCH @1ts.Le Social Media Manager @n0vaking Photo Assistants SQ aka @thais_luvs_u Kevin Martinez-Nuñez aka @keffeviffin @Dre4mz_ Jade Stephens Graphic Designers Kavon Raggs Lizbeth Romero Monique Marcelle Vanessa Lopez @tokyoguttz

Contributing Writers SQ aka @thais_luvs_u Léïsha Durena @1ts.le

MODELS Jinxx Hair Styling: @J3nnstarr @Soulfulsouls aka Cloé @TayyTimee Hailey Talise Jada aka @theeblackestberry_ @NINE11 Leah aka @Leahnnac Dalia aka @blck_und @mrs.harlem

Fashion Cypher: FXLSE47 NEIORI aka @n31or1 TO BE OR NOT TO BE : BITTER @briokami @bungeebum Pretty Boy Rock: @jordandashaun @isaiahkeaton A Crown Made Just for Me: @GWAKISA Living Proof: @JBRXNCH Am I tired? Or Just an “Angry Black Woman”: @Ritaaa.ricchh

JINXX

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Hair Boutique YOUR HAIR, YOUR CROWN

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Styled By : Aisha M Photography by Maya Peroune

A SERES WHERE WE BREAK DOWN HOW MUSIC CAN FLOURISH IN ALL AREAS

By Margarita Perez Photography by Francois Mercer

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PARTIAL FEVER

t SBBSVL2

In the ever-evolving landscape of art and fashion, a new wave of talent is emerging – artists whose creative prowess extends beyond traditional mediums to encompass the world of style and design.

SUNDANCE

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Styled By : Aisha M Photography by Maya Peroune

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Neiori

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IDK!

IN THIS ARTICLE, WE EMBARK ON A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER INNOVATIVE MINDS AND EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF CREATIVITY AND FASHION, WHERE SELF-EXPRESSION TAKES ON NEW DIMENSIONS AND THE BOUNDARIES OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION ARE PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS.

UwUmb

SAY IT

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WRITTEN & STYLED BY : AISHA M Photography by: KACI PETERSON

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7 4 E S L X F CONTESTANT 1 Nestled within the vibrant streets of Brooklyn lie stories waiting to be told, narratives waiting to be heard, and art waiting to be discovered.

01 What initially drew you

to pursuing a career as a music artist?

Growing up I always knew myself well enough to say I’m intelligent but not diligent unless I’m dedicated. I knew

02 Can you describe your

personal style and how it reflects your musical identity?

do you approach the 03 How songwriting process? Do you h

I would describe my personal

any rituals or methods that h you get inspired?

Do you have any rituals or methods that help you get inspired?

style as very free flowing. I

At this point I look at song writing as

I knew the cubicle life wasn’t for me, I

don’t discriminate brands, if

a muscle or a free throw. I’ve trained

saw what it did to my parents at an

it’s a good piece I wear it. I

it up until this point. Sometimes it’s a

early age. They wanted to build a

could say the same with my

pretty shot, sometimes it banks in and

family and they succeeded but they lost

beat selection currently. I’m no

very rarely I miss. When I’m in

that fire and ambition. I knew I would

longer trying to aim for a

that college wasn’t for me.

rather be broke than live that way.

That’s why I chose to be an artist. Run the risk of ending up as every negative affirmation anyone has ever told you,

certain vibe or sound right

turmoil I tend to create my most potent work like any great artist would. But a lot of the time my own

now. Just trying to make hit

personal progress in music as a whole

tracks on hit beats.

inspires me to write and get my engine going.

to live a fulfilling life of doing what you want and getting paid off it.

fashion trends or 04 What designers are currently inspiring you or influencing your style?

I have been skating semi

05 Can you share any

upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about in your music career?

seriously for a year now, so my

I have set a lot of goals for this year

fashion has definitely been

and I feel them coming on a lot

shaped by that West Village and

quicker than I thought they would.

LES skate scene. I don’t really look to designers specifically for influence, like I said I try to keep

Looking forward to opening for and making music with bigger artists.

it pretty indiscriminate and take

Have a venue for headline SP! Event.

influences from many different

SUNDANCE bigger and better!!!!!!

mediums. Jet Set Radio Future, a game on the Xbox sort of shaped my early ideas of fashion and music and I believe it’s what inspired my diverse tastes today.

To answer your question… Shayne Oliver.

WRITTEN & STYLED BY : AISHA M Photography by: KACI PETERSON

Styled By : Aisha M Photography by: Maya Peroune

transcendent

hypnotic BUBBLY

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i r o i Ne CONTESTANT 2 Raised in the Nations Capital, to life in NYC, Neiori is a force to be reakoned with

01What initially drew you to 02 Can you describe your 03 How do you approach the personal style and how songwriting process? Do you ha pursuing a career as a music

any rituals or methods that he you get inspired?

but that’s not what initially drew me.

it reflects your musical identity?

I’d say my style is literally

During the summers during high

just serving KUNT! I love

to truly write a song which

school the summer job I worked for

feeling confident and

is why I’ve been so quiet as

taught me how to produce and write

when I put a good outfit

of late and singing in the

songs but I had no real life

on I feel like that bitch

showers helps me

experience to truly pour out my

and I carry that energy

artist?

Both of my parents are musicians,

emotions. I had later gone through

into my music.

one of the worst heartbreaks I’d ever gone through and thus came my very first song Say It<3 which ended up going viral on TikTok.

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What fashion trends or designers are currently inspiring you or influencing your style?

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Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about in your music career?

I’m excited to put out

I’m really inspired by the

music I really enjoy and

Tumblr glittery girl letting it

to experiment with new

linger pastel indie sleaze type vibe.

That’s literally the only way I can explain it and UGH! The Pat McGrath margiela show I also really love blumarine and diesel Jinxx Magazine

genres. tired of putting out sad songs lol

I need to experience things

brainstorm.

J

!

X X N I

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MODEL: @GWAKISA PHOTOGRAPHER: @JBRXNCH STYLIST:@GWAKISA

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots" - Marcus Garvey, Jamaican Political activist

"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations."

- Dr. Mae Jemison, first African American female astronaut.

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MODEL: @GWAKISA PHOTOGRAPHER: @1TS.LE STYLIST:@GWAKISA

A Crown Made Just for Me.

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A CROWN IS A CIRCULAR ORNAMENTAL HEADDRESS WORN BY A MONARCH AS A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY, USUALLY MADE OF OR DECORATED WITH PRECIOUS METALS AND JEWELS. MY CROWN IS DEFINED AS A BUNCH OF BEAUTIFULLY NAPPY, CURLY, WAVY TWISTS AND TURNS GROWING FREELY FROM MY SCALP. IT IS A REFLECTION OF MOTHER NATURE AND HOW A SAPLING'S ROOTS GROW FREELY IN SEARCH OF A SECURE FOUNDATION. MY CROWN CHANGES ITS GEMS FREELY DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER, MY EMOTIONS, OR THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. MY CROWN IS OFTEN CARESSED AND TEASED, ADMIRED THROUGH MY EYES AND THE REFLECTION OF THE MIRROR IN ADMIRATION FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL STRAND COMPLEXED WITH PROTEINS AND KERATINS AND THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL SET OF DNA. MY CROWN LOVES TO BE SEEN AND SOMETIMES LOVES TO HIDE AS I PROTECT IT FROM HARM, ALLOWING IT A TIME OF SOLITUDE AND GROWTH. MANY HAVE TRIED TO STEAL MY CROWN, AND MANY HAVE DIED PROTECTING MY CROWN. IT IS MORE THAN JUST A CIRCULAR ORNAMENTAL HEADDRESS; IT IS THE FRUITION OF MY ANCESTRAL DNA RUNNING THROUGH MY VEINS, ERECTED BY MEANS OF HONOR...

HONOR THAT COULD NEVER AND WILL NEVER BE LOST. -LÉÏSHA DURENA

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MODEL: @GWAKISA PHOTOGRAPHER: @1TS.LE STYLIST:@GWAKISA

BLACK: BELONGING TO OR DENOTING A HUMAN GROUP HAVING DARK-COLORED SKIN, ESPECIALLY OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN ANCESTRY.

BLACK: PROTECTION AND COMFORT, STRONG, CONTAINED, FORMAL, SOPHISTICATED,SEDUCTIVE, MYSTERIOUS, ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS.

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MODEL: @GWAKISA PHOTOGRAPHER: @JBRXNCH STYLIST:@GWAKISA

14 Embracing Diversity: The Crown Act and the Fight Against Hair Discrimination BLACK LIVES MATTER

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To create your o iIn recent years, conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion have gained momentum across various sectors of society, including the realm of fashion and beauty. Central to this dialogue is the Crown Act – legislation aimed at combating hair discrimination and promoting equality in the workplace and beyond. As we delve into the significance of the Crown Act, we uncover its origins, impact, and ongoing efforts to challenge outdated norms and celebrate cultural diversity.

Understanding the Crown Act: The Crown Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," is a legislative initiative designed to prohibit discrimination based on racebased hairstyles, such as braids, locs, afros, and twists. Spearheaded by activists and lawmakers alike, the Crown Act aims to address systemic biases that unfairly target individuals with natural or culturally significant hairstyles, particularly within professional and educational settings.

By enshrining protections against hair discrimination into law, the Crown Act seeks to affirm the right of individuals to express their cultural identity without fear of retribution or prejudice.

At the heart of the Crown Act is a recognition of the deeply rooted cultural significance of hairstyles within marginalized communities. For centuries, hairstyles such as braids, afros, and locs have served as expressions of heritage, identity, and self-affirmation. However, these same hairstyles have often been stigmatized or deemed "unprofessional" by societal standards rooted in Eurocentric ideals of beauty. The Crown Act challenges these narrow standards, affirming the beauty and diversity of all hair textures and styles.

Since its inception, the Crown Act has gained widespread support and recognition across the United States.

To date, numerous states and municipalities have passed or introduced legislation mirroring the principles of the Crown Act, affording legal protections to individuals targeted by hair discrimination Moreover, the Crown Act has sparked broader conversations about inclusivity and representation within industries ranging from entertainment and media to fashion and beauty. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, the Crown Act is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Jinxx Magazine

Despite significant strides, challenges remain in the ongoing fight against hair discrimination.

Enforcement of the Crown Act varies from state to state, and instances of discrimination persist in workplaces, schools, and other institutions. Additionally, broader societal attitudes and stereotypes continue to perpetuate harmful narratives surrounding natural hair and cultural hairstyles. To address these challenges, advocates continue to push for widespread adoption of the Crown Act, coupled with educational initiatives to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse hair textures and styles.

The Crown Act represents a pivotal step forward in the journey toward equality and inclusion for all. By recognizing and affirming the cultural significance of natural hairstyles, this legislation empowers individuals to embrace their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or bias. As we celebrate the progress made through the Crown Act, let us remain committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a world where every individual's crown is respected and celebrated.

PHOTOGRAPHER: LÉÏSHA DURENA @ 1TS.LE MODEL: @JBRXNCH STYLIST: LÉÏSHA DURENA CREATIVE DIRECTION: @JBRXNCH & LÉÏSHA DURENA

Living Proof

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TO BE OR NOT TO BE : BITTER

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Written By: SQ Photography by: Kaci Peterson

All my singles, raise your glasses! To the singles who save money on Valentine’s Day! To the singles who don’t have to battle to get dinner reservations, or struggle with picking where and what to eat!

Don’t be bitter, you’re missing out on stress and “everything” showers.

Being single doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Run wild! Go out, party, and maybe even have a one-night stand. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Just remember to always be safe: let someone you trust know where you are, wear protection, and have fun. If one-night

SINGLE ?

THAT’S OKAY !

encounters are just not for you, don’t push it! Do something else, like going to a museum, an art class, or staying in and watching your favorite movie or binging a new tv show.

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“Being single used to mean that nobody wanted you.

Now it means you’re pretty, sexy, and you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with.”

Being single is a virtue. Think about it as how Carrie Bradshaw describes it, “Being single used to mean that nobody wanted you.

Now it means you’re pretty, sexy, and you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with.”

Create a life of your own, one that you can be proud of, before sharing with another soul. The life we live will be full of mistakes, ups and downs, and twists and turns.

The beauty in it is that you’ll always stay grounded in who you are. Do what you love for the rest of your life, and maybe one day someone will join in that journey.

Until then, be in a relationship with yourself!

Treat yourself out to nice food, good movies, spa days, and traveling.

You can do these activities solo, or in the company of friends or family.

Life is too short to spend the majority of it bitter, because you haven’t found someone to share it with.

Live each day as if it’s your last; live it to the fullest. Flirting isn’t solely synonymous with being in a relationship, you can be flirty and single.

The only difference between being single and being in a relationship is the commitment; you are loyal to your partner (partners for those in a poly relationship).

Rather than committing yourself to someone else, start with executing that project you’ve been building ideas for, the travel plans that haven’t made it out the group chat yet, or the dreams you have that don’t get enough attention. attention. Stop bitterly waiting for someone to come in and scoop you up. Being single and on top of the world is the most powerful, freeing thing to be. So take advantage of it.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: @JA.THE.VISIONARY MODEL: @RITAAA.RICCHH STYLIST: LÉÏSHA DURENA & @ST_KRISTENN CREATIVE DIRECTION: JADE STEPHENS & LÉÏSHA DURENA

AM I TIRED OR JUST AN “ANGRY BLACK WOMAN” ?

"Put a smile on your face, mama" or "A beautiful girl like you shouldn't be frowning " are some of the many phrases I, a black woman, have heard while going about my day-to-day life. However, have you ever wondered what it's like being a black woman, often perceived as "ill-mannered" or "ill-tempered" simply because of the emotion or AH AH of my face? The member of society is looked down upon yet highly admired because everyone wants my big lips, hips, and dips but not my struggles. Everyone expects black women to know the answer to everything, yet there's no mic when it is time for us to speak. Everyone expects me to be strong enough for my family, but sometimes, I'm not even strong enough for myself.

written by: Léïsha Durena

Black women can't leave the house with bed hair, but we also can't walk around in bonnets or scarves? Do you know how long it takes for my crown to be fixed? For my edges to curl just right and my hair to be laid down with no flyaways? And don't even get me started about the dating scene. I'm not one of the Instagram models with 100k followers, 40-inch natural wavy Indian or whatever you call hair, and a BBL for Dr.Miami. And I sure as hell don't want to be known as your baby's mother, so how about taking responsibility for your own tool before I do. Oh, and let's also be realistic, my nails and hair aren't always going to be laid to the gods because I am a hard-working woman with only 24 hours a day to complete all my life missions. Are you going to pay for my hair, nails, and toes? I didn't think so.

Since we're naming everything that gets ME mad, what about the workspace? Should I call it the Whitespace? Did you know that for every dollar the white man makes, I, THE BLACK WOMEN, make 67 cents? Believe me when I say I do much more than he does; I mean, all he does is talk about sports, flirt with everyone in the office, and occasionally say some smartass remarks to the boss, but you don't hear him as someone who has an "attitude." From my point of view, it's as if anything I say comes off as rude or smart. I damn near can't even say hello without people thinking I'm trying to fight. Not only that, but I also can't express the tiredness that I feel with all these burdens without someone saying "Put a smile on your face, mama."

NOW DOES THAT SOUND FAIR TO YOU? DO YOU STILL THINK I SHOULD BE SMILING EVERY DAY? Yours truly, An Angry Black women

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